Can anyone remember your first worship experience? I can. It wasn’t in church. It was on our patio in Navy housing at Jax navel air station where my dad was stationed. I might have been 8, but not exactly sure. Easter Sunday morning really wasn’t that special to us growing up – usually just a new dress and maybe an Easter egg hunt with neighbor kids. But, this particular Easter Sunday morning, I felt a stirring in my heart that there must be more to it. I woke up early, very early, before the sun was up. I went outside, stood on the patio wall, and faced the rising sun. I did not own a Bible except for a small red New Testament with the Psalms included. I knew one Psalm – the 23rd. I had learned that psalm in third grade English. In fact, we had to memorize and recite the entire psalm for a grade. Yes, public school was different back in the day. That Easter Sunday morning, I opened my little red book and read the 23rd Psalm out loud to the Lord.
That was the beginning … and all His promises have come true. He is my shepherd; He loves me and is transforming me by the power of His Holy Spirit. I grew up, married a preacher boy and almost literally have dwelt in the house of the Lord! Who knew that long ago Sunday morning Easter service would change my life forever? He knew. “Surely goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life.” I discovered Easter is way more than a new dress.
What special memories of Easter do you have? How is Easter meaningful for you?
Vicki Heath is the National Director of First Place for Health. Vicki is a certified fitness instructor for the American Council on Exercise, a certified life coach and Wellness Coordinator for her church in Edisto Beach, SC. Vicki is an author of the books Don’t Quit Get Fit, Wellness Journey of a Lifetime and My First Place. She strives to bring others into the Kingdom through health and wellness.